Formation Requirements

Virginia Registered Agent Requirements: Fees, Filing, and Statute (2026)

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against Virginia State Corporation Commission

What is a Registered Agent in Virginia?

The registered agent designation in Virginia is governed by Va. Code §13.1-1015, which applies to LLCs, corporations, and most other formal business entities. An acceptable registered agent in Virginia maintains a physical street address within the state and is available during regular business hours; post office boxes do not satisfy the statute. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and become part of the public business record.

In practice, the registered agent designation sits within a wider compliance cycle: a $100 formation filing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, an annual report at $50 annually by the last day of formation anniversary month, and a $25 Statement of Change whenever the agent changes. Virginia LLCs pay an annual registration fee of $50 in lieu of an information report — and filings are handled by the State Corporation Commission rather than a Secretary of State.

Best Registered Agent Services for Virginia (2026)

#ServicePrice/yrBest for
1Northwest Registered Agent$125privacy-focused customers
2ZenBusiness$199new businesses bundling formation
3LegalZoom$249customers wanting brand-name support
4Mainstay Filing$99balanced value

Virginia-specific option: Virginia Registered Agent operates exclusively in Virginia and specializes in same-state filings. Best for businesses that want a state-focused provider with local-only operations.

Virginia Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Virginia
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Virginia resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Virginia
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Virginia State Corporation Commission
Statute referenceVa. Code §13.1-1015

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Virginia: Step-by-Step

  1. Decide between self, friend, or commercial service. Self-serving is free but places your home address in the public record. Commercial services maintain privacy.
  2. Verify the agent's Virginia address is a physical street address. The Virginia State Corporation Commission rejects filings that list a P.O. box.
  3. Confirm the agent will be available during business hours. Service of process delivery failure can result in default judgment.
  4. Compare commercial pricing. Typical Virginia commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Virginia State Corporation Commission. Submit via https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/Forms-Fees or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Virginia charges $100 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Virginia requires an annual report at $50, annually by the last day of formation anniversary month.

Virginia Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$100annually by the last day of formation anniversary month$50
DBA / Fictitious Name$10Every 0 years$10
Registered Agent change$25
Annual Report$50annually by the last day of formation anniversary month$50

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Virginia?

Yes — if you are a Virginia resident with a physical street address and are available during business hours.

Do I need a registered agent if I form an LLC in Virginia but live elsewhere?

Yes. Virginia law requires every LLC to maintain a Virginia-based registered agent regardless of where the owner lives.

What happens if I don't have a registered agent in Virginia?

The Virginia State Corporation Commission can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in Virginia later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Virginia State Corporation Commission for $25.

How much does a Virginia registered agent cost?

$50–$150 per year for commercial services; free if you self-serve.

Is my registered agent's address public in Virginia?

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the Virginia State Corporation Commission business records.

How fast can I get a registered agent in Virginia?

Same-day with most commercial services; same-business-day filing if submitted online before the daily cutoff.

This page provides general information about Virginia registered agent requirements, not legal advice. Filing fees and procedures may change; verify current details with the Virginia State Corporation Commission before filing. We may receive compensation from services listed in our comparisons; this does not influence our editorial selections.